WooHoo!!, I'm Going Racing This Weekend Options

[ChrisFoley]

At the track Saturday morning it looked like the rain had ended early because the grassy paddock area we occupied was nearly dry. I didn’t go out for the morning warm-up and immediately began to work on the car. We had a long inspection list, including a check of the alignment. Since the car had been completely disassembled for the better part of a year it was pretty important to be certain all systems were up to the contest ahead. We used up the rest of the morning and worked through much of the lunch break. When the corner workers returned to their stations I was ready to climb aboard the Tangerine Racing 914.
When we moved onto the track I was positioned on the outside of the eighth row. I was right behind Dave Kicak, who was the top FP qualifier, driving a red MG Midget. We took the green flag and headed down the straight. Dave got a great start and pulled away, slicing through the middle of the field. I stayed to the outside, passing several cars as we reached the braking zone. Halfway through Big Bend I noticed a car ahead, spinning over the curb to the inside. This caused a tie up for many of the cars on the inside line. No contact occurred and everyone resumed, but I had managed to get clear without being held up. Only a red EP 240Z was between myself and the rival MG, a few seconds ahead.
As we circulated the track several faster EP cars came up and I let them past, but this also increased the distance between me and the Midget. After the traffic cleared I set off after the FP leader quite a distance ahead. I caught up to him on lap 10 and on lap 11 he closed the door in the left hander when I showed him the nose of my car on the inside of the turn. I resumed my stalking and as we headed down the front straight Dave stayed a full lane off the outside edge of the track, giving me the opportunity I was waiting for. I had made a better run through the diving turn and the pass was made easily before turn 1 on lap 12. I started pulling away slowly; the car felt good and I was feeling confident.
I put some distance between myself and the second place runner, and began to think I could cruise to the finish line. Someone layed an oil slick down at the entry to the esses and in my mirror I saw the red Midget do a brief dance and slide off the course there. Maybe that would be enough to ensure my victory.
Unfortunately, after a few more laps I felt the engine go flat for a moment. Then it happened again. One cylinder was not pulling with the rest and I was having trouble accelerating away from the corners. The problem would clear up sometimes as the engine rpms climbed, but it didn’t go away, and I became concerned that my lead would not last. I continued to circulate at about 2-3 seconds a lap slower than before. Eventually I noticed Dave’s red Midget was closing in, and he had Andy Williams’ third place yellow Midget in tow. It wasn’t much longer before I had no choice but to let them both by. I had led for about 10 laps and that was it. I would be lucky to cross the finish line the way the engine felt.
A couple of laps before the checkered flag I noticed a fuel smell. I was hoping it was the car ahead of me, but guessed it was probably my own car, giving me another clue as to my engine problems. Another issue I had was a greasy feel to the rear tires late in the race, which I thought was a track condition at the time. Once I parked the car in impound I could see the oil dripping from the left side of the car, near the engine compartment, which explained the lack of grip. The fuel smell was also definitely coming from my car. Maybe I’m real lucky I didn’t need that Halon bottle that was emptied inadvertently in the paddock on Friday.

[seanery]

sorry about your car. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif)

[VegasRacer]

I love racing. I hate racing. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smilie_flagge24.gif)
The highs are very high and the lows really suck.
It is fantastic when you have a bit of luck and everything goes the right way and all the work and planning pay off with a good finish. It's a real bummer when something goes wrong. I know both the frustration and the ecstasy. It is not as bad getting beat if you did your best and ran a good race as it is to lose because something broke on the car.
You'll get 'em next time. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/driving.gif)

You oughta be a writer. Great post. (sorry about the ending)

[ss6]

Chris, when (if) you retire from racing, you have a career writing about racing - excellent narratives! Would have been up to LRP to cheer you on if I had noticed this thread in time.

Are you going to do the CVR race this year now that it's been move to September?

[ChrisFoley]

First problem solved; a loose hose clamp was the culprit in the oil leak. Nothing serious, and less than 2 quarts missing from the tank. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[ChrisFoley]

Are you going to do the CVR race this year now that it's been move to September?

The Runoffs are at the same time, so no. I haven't kept up my PCA race license since I decided to do SCCA National racing.

You oughta be a writer.

, you have a career writing about racing

It's one of the things I want to be when I grow up, so I practice a little every now and then. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[ChrisFoley]

A leak down test last night confirms a probably bent valve. #3 had 30% leakage with lots of air coming out through the carb.
I guess a teardown is next.
I'm thinking about racing at Mid-Ohio in mid-August if I can get it back together in time.

[Jake Raby]

Lemme know if you need anything.. What was that piston/valve clearance?? The cam that I *think* you are using opens pretty early.

[william harris]

Damn Chris, I'm hoping there are no nasty surprises when you tear down. Keep us posted. I would like to see you race some day. Anything local to NE this year? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)